MARTIAL ARTS: Billingborough students make the trade in Tae Kwon-Do

Sixth Dan Master Annabel Murcott is a very proud Instructor as she now has another five new Black Belts and six more promoted to Dan Grades.

Last weekend her students from Billingborough, Stamford, Deeping Bourne, and Peterborough, travelled to the Tae Kwon-Do Academy in Bristol, the headquarters of the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain, Europe’s largest martial art organisation.

All the students were vigorously put through their paces in front of a panel of four 8th Dan World Masters and 9th Dan Grand Master David Oliver, the chairman of the TAGB.

Each student had to perform a set routine of self defence moves, hand and foot destruction, answer in-depth questions on Korean history, translate from English to Korean body parts and techniques, as well as showing a high level of skill whilst fighting their opponents.

Master Annabel Murcott said: “As always, it’s a proud moment for any instructor to watch students grow and reach their goals. It’s like all sports, the more you put in, the more you will get out of it.

“I am however very proud of the ones that unfortunately didn’t make the grade last time. They showed true indomitable spirit, came back stronger and more determined, and made the grade this time. This also shows that it’s not as easy as people think and nerves can take over on the day.”

The club has now got its sights on training for the British Championships at the end of November, the last big competition of the year, and more importantly next year will see the largest Martial Arts World Championships ever held in the UK at the Barclaycard Arena (old NIA), Birmingham, with competitors from more than 30 countries taking part.

If you are interested in trying Tae Kwon-Do, call Annabel on 07714 323995.